Do not own it.
Ginny slid her hand into his and allowed him to lead her out onto the floor for a tango. They spent the rest of the night in each other's arms blissfully unaware of all the people who were watching them.
It was a little after midnight when Lady Malfoy announced that it was the last dance of the night.
Ginny was walking on clouds. She'd had Draco Malfoy's attention centered on making her happy for an entire night.
Minister Snape had managed to get a few dances and smiles from Lady Malfoy.
"Now Draco, wait here while I go speak to your mother," Ginny said as people began to file out the front doors. She hugged him tight and gave his hand one final squeeze.
Ginny quietly stole up to Lady Malfoy's side.
"Ginevra, dear, what can I do for you?" she asked cocking her head to the side and placing a hand on Ginny's shoulder.
Ginny leaned in closer and whispered in her ear.
Two people watched the exchange with particular interest. Lady Malfoy and Ginny left the room walking into a small antechamber off the main hall.
Ron had kept a close eye on the happy couple the entire night. His chance still had not come. He watched for them to separate. This was his chance to put the first part of his master plan into action. Now he could avenge the death of his brothers. Ron left his place in the line and slipped up to talk to Draco.
"Draco, how's it going?" Ron asked slapping him on the back in an attempt to come off in a friendly manner.
Draco turned and glared with narrowed eyes at Ron.
"Hello Weasley," Draco said careful to keep his voice neutral.
"You have a good time?" Ron asked smiling with false camaraderie. The smile did not reach his eyes.
"I found it most enjoyable," Draco said looking down his nose at Ron.
"Draco I do not feel you deserve to be used the way my sister is using you," Ron said looking away out the window as if he felt ashamed of the way his sister was behaving.
"What are you talking about?" Draco asked. His eyes glowered furiously but there was a small hint of fear in his eyes and his voice had a slight amount of confusion in it.
Ron read the confusion and began to allow the germs of doubt to multiply in Draco's mind and heart.
"Did you really believe she wanted to help you? How naïve are you? She wants the money. She doesn't give a damn about you! Use your Slytherin mind and you will be able to discern the truth. The truth is you have no friends nor do you have any business near Ginny," Ron said. His voice was incredulous at first. He slapped his thigh. "You've got to be kidding."
"Lady," Ginny began.
"Please, dear, you saved my life, call me Narcissa," Lady Malfoy said as she sat down in the well lit room in an armchair. She motioned for Ginny to sit in the chair across from her.
"How have you been?" Ginny asked softly. Lady Malfoy had often talked to her, confided in her while she had been a servant in this household.
"My dear, I am not young anymore. I'm tired of it all," Lady Malfoy said shortly and pinched the bridge of her nose. A small house elf came in seconds later carrying a tea tray.
The tiny creature placed it on the table. He began to back up to leave.
"Wait here," Lady Malfoy requested of the elf.
"Why are you tired?" Ginny asked in the same gentle tone as she took a cup of tea that Lady Malfoy offered to her.
"I've seen enough people claiming to be my son to last me a dozen lifetimes and people still keep trying to convince me that they are my son. I'm lonely. I watched my husband get sent to the dementors, I watched my only son fall to his death, I watched my home get sent up in flames when my son and I had done no wrong; when we had fought on their side."
"I am sorry for your losses and you know that I mean you no harm. I wish to lift some of your sorrow and give you some happiness again," Ginny said reaching over and touching the elder woman's hand softly.
Lady Malfoy nodded for Ginny to continue and took her hand gently.
"I've found your son. Please Lady you must believe me. I'd know him anywhere and the other day he told me that he remembered some things. He told me about enlarging Hermione Potter's teeth. He remembered being injured by a hippogriff in his third year. I am certain that this boy is your son," Ginny said and she watched the elder lady for any sign of displeasure.
"Ginny, I know better than to think that you are trying to get my money. But I must regretfully tell you that I truly do not want to see another claiming to be my son. I have become quite bitter. This boy may be using you," Lady Malfoy said slamming the teacup down in her saucer. The house elf standing next to her bristled looking affronted.
"La-Narcissa, as you know I am a nurse at St. Mungos. That is where I have been taking care of him for the last several years. He was in a coma and found by the west wall on your property. He had no memory of anybody that he'd known. He longed for you more than any other person," Ginny said and out of habit she moved to her knees before Lady Malfoy.
The Lady's eyes softened and she breathed out heavily; her lips softened from the thin hard line they'd been. She took several calming breathes.
"Ginny the boy you've brought does look remarkably like my Draco. I shall give him the same two tests that everyone who claimed to be my son receives. I warn you while some can correctly answer my question they've always been sent to St. Mungos if they try to use my son's wand," Lady Malfoy said.
"Thank you Lady," Ginny said. "Shall I go and get him?"
Lady Malfoy nodded.
"I'll be back in a moment," Ginny said smiling at her old friend and dashing from the room.
The sight that greeted her could not have been worse.
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